Press Release

PROTECT YOURSELF

RBC Bank Offers Consumers Advice during Fraud Prevention Month

RALEIGH, N.C. – March 24, 2009 – March is Fraud Prevention Month around the world, so to raise awareness about fraud and how to protect yourself, Paul Gray, director of Privacy & Information Risk for RBC Bank, is available for media comments regarding topics related to fraud.

"While the information age may make it easier for fraud to occur, we've implemented systems that work around the clock to control and detect fraudulent activity," said Gray. "While we use a diverse range of technologies and security mechanisms to ensure the safety, confidentiality and integrity of our clients' information and transactions, an informed consumer is always the best line of defense against fraud."

Here are some useful tips that will help protect against fraud:

Keep personal information confidential. Do not give out personal information (such as your social security number) over the phone, through e-mail or over the Internet unless you initiated the contact independently and know the person you're dealing with.

Protect your PIN and passwords. Do not reveal your PIN or passwords to anyone, including family members and friends. When conducting a transaction at an ATM or banking center, keep your client card/credit card within sight and shield the keypad when entering your PIN.

Be wary of unexpected offers or requests that are "too good to be true" such as "you've inherited a large sum of money but in order to claim it, send us a deposit first." You should never agree to conduct financial transactions on behalf of strangers.

If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately.

About RBC BankRBC Bank, headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., offers a wide range of financial services and advice to individuals, businesses and public institutions throughout the Southeast. RBC Bank’s network includes more than 430 full-service banking centers, an extensive ATM network and telephone and online banking. RBC Bank is the 40th largest U.S. bank by consolidated assets, according to the Federal Reserve Statistical Release June 30, 2008. RBC Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) (RY on the TSX and NYSE), Canada's largest and most stable bank as measured by assets and market capitalization. Global Finance Magazine named RBC the best bank in Canada in October 2008, and the safest bank in Canada for 10 consecutive years, from 1999-2008. RBC is also one of the world’s financial, social and environmental corporate leaders for the past eight years as on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. Additional information about RBC Bank may be found at www.rbcbankusa.com.